The vehicle identification number

We show you exactly where the vehicle identification number is located, how to decode it correctly, what you need the check digit for and what happens if the VIN is no longer legible.

Table of contents

General information about the vehicle identification number

Internationally it is vehicle identification number (VIN) in germany it is also abbreviated to the following VIN from.

What is the vehicle identification number?

the vehicle identification number is an individual serial number. Each car has its own VIN. It identifies the vehicle.

The vehicle identification number has been used uniformly by all car manufacturers since 1981. Before that it was called the chassis number. It was usually on a plate in the engine compartment. This has led to many forgeries.

Today, the vehicle identification number is stamped into the sheet metal. This is intended to prevent stolen vehicles from being resold. Using the vehicle identification number, investigators can find the correct owner.

FIN in vehicle door

The FIN in the door frame of a VW golf V. © allianz direct

The vehicle identification number has 17 digits and is divided into several blocks. All letters of the alphabet except I, O and Q and the digits zero to nine can be used.

Vehicle manufacturers must give each car its own VIN number. All european vehicle manufacturers adhere to the same guidelines in this respect. American vehicle manufacturers use a stricter, similar system. The US-FIN also has 17 digits.

What is the difference between VIN and vehicle identification number??

There is no difference between the chassis number and the vehicle identification number. Until 1981 one spoke of the chassis number, because it is built into the chassis of the car. They also frame number called. Later the designation FIN uniform.

This is the vehicle identification number

The VIN can be found on the vehicle and in the paperwork.

Where to find the vehicle identification number on the car?

The vehicle identification number can be found in the vehicle documents, in the vehicle registration document (registration certificate part I) and in the vehicle registration (registration certificate part II).

It is also on the vehicle frame can be found on the door frame, in the engine compartment, in the trunk, under the hood, on the dashboard, under the windshield or in the driver’s door. In most cases, the vehicle identification number is stamped into the sheet metal in various places. It always depends on the model and manufacturer.

The VIN is usually also found on invoices from your garage or in your car insurance policy.

Where to find the vehicle identification number for motorcycles?

The vehicle identification number is located on the steering head or on the fork under the fairing of motorcycles (motorcycle, scooter). The VIN of your motorcycle is also found in the vehicle registration document. The number of older motorcycles has 11 digits, that of newer models 17 digits. For motorcycles, the chassis number is still often used.

Deciphering the vehicle identification number

The vehicle identification number is composed of the world manufacturer code, model series, model year, place of manufacture and vehicle numbering. It cannot be decoded uniformly, because it is different for each manufacturer. We show you an example of how to decode the VIN of a VW golf IV.

VIN in the engine compartment

The vehicle identification number of a VW golf IV in the engine compartment. © allianz direct

1. world manufacturer code

The world manufacturer code is the first three digits of the vehicle identification number. It is used internationally world manufacturer identifier (WMI) called.

The world manufacturer code shows the place of production and the brand of the motor vehicle. It is assigned by the SAE international association of automotive engineers to countries and makes of car. All other digits of the vehicle identification number are automatically determined by the car manufacturers at the factory. So errors are almost impossible.

  • Africa (A-H)
  • Asia (J-R)
  • Europe (S-Z)
  • North America (1-5)
  • Australia (6-7)
  • south america (8-0)

Known manufacturer codes are for example WOL (opel), WVW (volkswagen), WAU (audi), WBA (BMW), WDD (daimler AG), ZFA (fiat), VSS (SEAT), VF7 (citroen) or WF0 (ford).

For example: the first three digits of the vehicle identification number of a VW golf IV are WVW. This is the world manufacturer code. The first letter W stands for place of production, in this case europe. European vehicles are identified by the letters S through Z, the W is Germany. The other letters VW denote the brand of the car, here a volkswagen.

2. Model information

Numbers four to nine provide information about the vehicle itself: they contain information about the model, the model series or the engine type. Often car manufacturers do not use all positions. They are then marked with a filling character, for example 0000 (opel) or ZZZ (VW, audi).

The seventh and eighth digits indicate the vehicle type. you can read whether it is a VW golf, a SEAT ibiza or a BMW X5.

For example: for the VW golf IV the numbers four to six are ZZZ. These are filler characters, the digits are not used for identification. The numbers seven and eight are 1J. This is the typical identification number for the model golf IV the volkswagen brand. It is defined by the car manufacturer. The number nine is a Filling character Z.

3. Model year

The tenth digit of the vehicle identification number is the model year. Each model year is identified by a specific letter or number. Do not confuse the model year with the year of manufacture or the year of first registration.

The year of construction of a vehicle is the year in which it was produced and left the factory. The year of manufacture of your car can be found in the vehicle registration certificate part I.

The first registration of a vehicle indicates the date on which the vehicle was registered to the first owner at the registration office. The first registration is also noted in the vehicle registration certificate.

The model year is not identical with the year of manufacture, but is regarded as the first year of production of a vehicle from a specific, continuous series. The model year of your vehicle can be deciphered with the vehicle identification number.

For example: for the VW golf IV the tenth digit of the VIN is a 2. The vehicle is therefore a model from the production year 2002.

4. place of manufacture

The eleventh digit of the VIN shows the place of manufacture of the vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer, a specific letter or number is used.

For example: on the VW golf IV the eleventh digit is a W. This stands for wolfsburg. There is the factory of the manufacturer volkswagen.

5. Consecutive vehicle numbering

The last six digits (the digits 12 to 17) are the individual production number. It is different for each vehicle. The numbering is continuous.

For example: the numbers 12 to 17 of the VW golf IV are 057177. This is the individual serial number of the vehicle. Each VW golf IV from the same production year has a different number.

decode VIN

How to decode the vehicle identification number of your car. © allianz direct

Where is the check digit for the vehicle identification number??

In the vehicle registration document, you will find a check digit next to the VIN. This number is calculated and entered by the car manufacturer.

If the registration authority checks the vehicle identification number, the check digit is also recalculated and checked. If they match, the VIN is correct. Forgeries and input errors are quickly detected. Because: in the case of a forgery, usually only the VIN is changed, but the check digit is not recalculated.

Using the vehicle identification number

With the vehicle identification number, you can identify a vehicle, i.e. assign the car precisely.

What is the vehicle identification number for??

The VIN is especially car theft important. It can be used to identify the owner, because you are registered as the vehicle owner via the VIN.

If you want to register your vehicle, the VIN will be checked. If you have a new car, you must vehicle registration certificate submit. If you have bought a used car vehicle title and vehicle registration document requires. Both documents contain the vehicle identification number.

Your car repair shop can use the vehicle identification number to get the information about the service history and the standard equipment retrieve. So the mechanic can quickly order the right replacement parts.

Vehicle identification number in vehicle documents

You will find the vehicle identification number in your vehicle documents. © allianz direct

What happens if the vehicle identification number is no longer legible?

The VIN on the car can rust over time, become illegible or be destroyed in an accident. You are no longer allowed to drive the car on the road (§ 19 stvzo). A fine and points in flensburg are the penalty.

The number must be re-stamped at a car repair shop. After that you have to show your car to the TuV and the registration office. Get a written confirmation with stamp. Then you can prove that the VIN has been re-stamped. You put this document with your vehicle registration document to be able to show it in case of an inspection.

If you need to replace a vehicle part that has the VIN on it, have the garage confirm this. The mechanic should also note what has happened to the part. With this letter you can get a "certificate of no objection" at the registration office. With the certificate, you must apply for a new operating permit from your vehicle manufacturer.

What to look out for when buying a car?

  • Does the vehicle identification number in the car documents match the VIN stamped on the car??
  • Use the online FIN-checker to decode the VIN and match it with the check digit in the vehicle registration document.
  • If the VIN has been tampered with, do not buy the car. Report your suspicions to the police.

Find out what else you should look out for in our checklist for buying a car.

How to proceed in case of car theft?

If your car has been stolen, you must act quickly. What to do:

1. Inform the police

Immediately call the police at 110 and file a criminal complaint. Answer honestly all questions about your vehicle’s mileage, equipment, and number of keys.

2. Notify the vehicle registration office

Contact the vehicle registration office. They will deregister your stolen car and keep the vehicle registration document. You get a written confirmation as a proof.

3. Inform the lessor or the bank

If you have leased your car or financed the car with a loan, notify the leasing company or the bank.

4. Report the theft to the insurance company

Report the theft to your insurance provider. Normally, the vehicle registration document, the theft report of the police, all vehicle keys and the deregistration confirmation of the registration office are required. Make copies for your own records. If your car is not found within one month, the comprehensive insurance will pay for it.

Do you need the VIN number when you buy a car insurance policy??

The vehicle identification number is usually included in the insurance contract. If you have a car insurance, the evb-number (electronic insurance confirmation) is more important. You can use the seven-digit evb number to prove that you have taken out motor vehicle liability insurance for your vehicle.

It consists of numbers and capital letters (for example: AB123CD) and is obligatory for every car owner according to § 6 pflvg. You must provide the evb number each time you register or re-register your car at the registration office. If you do not have liability insurance for your vehicle, you can expect a custodial sentence of up to one year or a fine.

Car insurance contract

If you own a car, you must have motor vehicle liability insurance. © istock/utah778

You can usually apply for the evb number online with your insurance provider. For this you have to take out a motor vehicle liability insurance policy. Many insurance providers show the evb number after filling out the online application directly to. Usually you will receive a PDF with the number, sometimes even an SMS or e-mail. The evb number does not cost extra.

If you can’t find your evb number, you should call your insurance company. Many give the number by phone or send it by e-mail or SMS. You do not need an official form. It is sufficient to write down the number.

inform yourself directly about the car liability insurance of allianz direct or learn more in our article about the evb-number.

Check vehicle identification number regularly

check for yourself where the vehicle identification number is on your car. You can find the VIN in your vehicle registration document, directly on your car, in your insurance documents and on invoices from your garage. You now also know how to decode them correctly.

Check regularly that the number is legible. Because in case of car theft it is very important to find the right owner. But also garages can check inspections and equipment. Because nowadays not every car has an ordinary checkbook.

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Christina Cherry
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